User:Mr. Ibrahem/Nail bed laceration

A nail bed laceration is a type of injury to the nail bed. Symptoms may include pain and blood under the nail. It may be associated with a tuft fracture or Seymour fracture.

It may occur due to a cut or crush injury, such as by a door or hammer. Types include simple, stellate, and crush. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and examination. X-rays are done to look for underlying bone fractures.

Small injuries without disruption to the nail generally do not require specific treatment; though, blood under the nail may be drained. Otherwise management may involve closing with sutures. It the injury is a simple cut, the nail may be left on and sutured through. In a crush injury the nail may be removed and the nail bed closed with absorbable sutures. There is no evidence that placing material to hold open the nail fold following repair is needed. A ring block and finger tourniquet may help with management.

Nail bed lacerations are relatively common. Young males are most often affected. While the best way to manage a nail bed lacerations has been poorly studied, removal of the nail and suturing is more expensive. For a fingernail to grow out requires about 2 months while for a toenail 4 months is needed.